India: cement prices to fall 10% on lower demand

Indian cement prices are expected to soften by 8-10% from Thursday across the country, the third successive fall since May, by companies struggling to cope with lower demand.

According to dealers, cement prices are likely to be pegged at around INR200-220 per 50kg bag from July 1, against the current market rate of INR235.

The last two price corrections in May and June were severe in the south where prices dipped by a combined 30% against a marginal drop in the west and east. Northern markets escaped the price fall largely because of increased demand from the Commonwealth Games-linked infrastructure activities.